Conveyor system

ABSTRACT

A conveyor system for discrete articles comprising an infeed conveyor for receiving articles from a supply source in random fashion, a crossfeed conveyor presented upwardly and forwardly of the discharge end of said infeed conveyor and traveling in a direction axially normal thereto for communicating with an article-handling station, relatively high-speed rollers interposed between said infeed conveyor and said crossfeed conveyor; said infeed conveyor being adapted for rockable movement so that when in raised position, articles may be transferred therefrom onto said high-speed rollers which latter, due to their relatively increased angular velocity causes the received articles to be transferred onto said crossfeed conveyor in aligned relationship for sequential presentation at the particular handling station. The relationship between the linear rates of travel between the infeed conveyor and the crossfeed conveyor and the speed of rotation of the rollers is critical for effecting a facile transfer of the articles within the requisite aligned relationship.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Robert E. Conners Primary Exammer-Richard E Aegerter Mehlville, M0. Assistant ExaminerAlfred N. Goodmanhigh-speed rollers interposed between said infeed conveyor and saidcrossfeed conveyor; said infeed conveyor being adapted for rockablemovement so that when in raised position, articles may be transferredtherefrom onto said highspeed rollers which latter, due to theirrelatively increased angular velocity causes the received articles to betransferred onto said crossfeed conveyor in aligned relationship for 8R.w0 4 H H w nm 1M 0on2 ww h 11 m "B W mm m mM H m m m u "0 n m m m0 u m8 m m m m m Ms W m m m mmoo b3 m MR4 m Q n "S I.. he... '0 PW d S. Ld Umm 1 1] 2 0 5 55 l el between the infeed conveyor and the crossfeedconveyor and the speed of rotation of the rollers is critical foreffectin th sequential presentation at the particular handling station.The relationship between the linear rates of trav 198/78 X g a faciletransfer of e articles within the requisite aligned relationship.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,497,874 2/1950 Evans etal.......

Ira/54 PATENTED JAN! 1 1972 SHEET 010F1O 9 FIG. I

INVENTOR ROBERT E. CONNERS ATTORNEY PATENTEB JAN? 1 m2 SHEET UZUF 10INVENTOR 1 ROBERT E. CONNERS BY W ATTORNEY PATENTEU JAN 1 1972 SHEET030F 10 II III If N hN INVENTOR ROBERT E. CONNERS ATTORNEYPATENTEnJmmsrz 3,633,734

sum osnr 10 ROBERT E. CONNERS ATTORNEY PATENTEDJAHI 1 19. 2 3,633,734SHEET OSUF 10 FIG. 6

H II I I INVENTOR ROBERT E. CONNERS ATTORNEY PATENIEU JAN! 1 1972 saw 07or 10 v w OE INVENTOR ROBERT E. CONNERS ATTORNEY PATENTED JAN! 1 19723.633, 734

SHEET 08 0F 10 FIG. 8

INVENTOR ROBERT E. CONNERS BY Q w. 44

ATTORNEY PATENTED JAM 1 1972 SHEET 09 0F 10 INVENTOR ROBERT E. CONNERSATTO R NEY CONVEYOR SYSTEM BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thisinvention relates in general to conveyors and more particularly to aconveyor system adapted for receiving discrete articles in a randompattern and causing same to be transmitted to a selected handlingstation for sequential presentation in an aligned condition.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a conveyor systemadapted for accommodating a high volume of discrete articles, such ascandy bars and the like, in minimum time for delivering the samecontinuously from a source of supply to any or all of multiple,laterally located article handling stations.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a conveyorsystem adapted to receive discrete articles in random fashion from asource of supply and having means for delivering same in alignedcondition to any or all of multiple, laterally located handlingstations.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a conveyorsystem which is uniquely adapted for accommodating a high volume ofdiscrete articles permitting of selective distribution of such articlesto laterally located handling stations whereby jamming or obstructiveflow is prevented.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a conveyorsystem which is adapted for automatic operation so as to require aminimum of surveillance and which is sturdily constructed so as to beresistant to breakdown.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a conveyorsystem which is adapted for use with myriad types of articles andproducts conducing to the accommodation of a volume level not heretoforeattained by currently known machines.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide aconveyor system which may be of any desired extent as the same iscomposed of composite units which may be readily incorporated asdesired.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide aconveyor system for handling discrete articles which is very durable inuse and highly reliable in operation, and economical in manufacture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of aconveyor system constructed in accordance with and embodying the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the conveyor system.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view taken on the line 3-3 ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an end view taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary elevational view taken on the line5-5 ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary vertical transverse sectional viewtaken on the line 66 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged transverse view, partially in section, taken onthe line 7-7 ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a vertical view taken on the line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a vertical transverse sectional view on the line 9-9 of FIG.7.

FIG. 10 is a perspective, generally schematic, view illustrating themotion transmission system of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a ladder format schematic diagram of the electrical system ofthe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now by referencecharacters to the drawings which illustrate the present invention, Agenerally designates a conveyor system which incorporates an infeedconveyor 1 having a charging or article-receiving end 2, a discharge end3; and a crossfeed conveyor 4 provided upwardly and forwardly of thedischarge end 3 of the related infeed conveyor 1. It is to be observedthat the conveyor system of the present invention, thus, is of uniquecharacter, having essentially an infeed conveyor and a crossfeedconveyor so that any overall system may incorporate any predeterminednumber of such units, as will be more apparent hereinbelow. With amultiplicity of such units, the infeed conveyors I will be in end-to-endrelationship as illustrated in FIG. 1 and with the rearward-most infeedconveyor being presented adjacent a main conveyor (not shown) whichconnects the conveyor system of the present invention with the source ofarticles to be handled. For purposes of description herein, the forwarddirection will be that toward the right-hand side of FIG. 2 and rearwarddirection will denote the left-hand side of FIG. 2. It is to be furtherobserved with reference to FIG. 1 that the crossfeed conveyor 4cooperating with its related infeed conveyor 1 will be presentedupwardly of the infeed conveyor of the next adjacent unit.

Conveyor system A is suitably adapted for use with myriad types ofarticles for conducing to the rapid handling and packing of the sametogether with alignment of the articles in a file for individualsequential treatment. For purposes of illustration only, system A may bedescribed hereinbelow as used with candy bars, as such system permits ofthe orderly, aligned position of candy bars for quick wrapping andcarton packing or such further handling as may be required.

Infeed conveyor 1 comprises a support frame 5 of general rectangularcharacter, being composed of customary structural components, such ascorner legs or uprights 6 and horizontal, base elements 7 which mayinterconnect adjacent legs for rendering the structure stable. Forenhancing the sturdiness of frame 5, the said structural components arepreferably of tubular stock having a box cross section. Provided onopposite sides of the charging or rearward end 2 of infeed conveyor 1 isa pair of transversely aligned pillow blocks 8, 8 within which isjournaled a transversely extending drive shaft or tail pulley 9, one endof which as indicated at 9' projects laterally outwardly of pillow block8 for purposes presently appearing. By reason of their configuration,pillow blocks 8, 8' cause drive shaft 9 to be located spacedly forwardlyof the extreme rearward end of frame 5 with the intervening spacingbeing indicated s. Inwardly of, and proximate, each pillow block 8, 8shaft 9 is received within bearings 10, 10' provided within blocks 11,11', respectively, fixed to the rearward end of elongated parallel sideelements l2, 12', respectively, of a pivot or swing frame, generallydesignated, 13. Trained about shaft 9 between blocks 11, 11 is one endportion of an endless conveyor belt 14, the opposite or forward endportion of which extends about an idler shaft or head pulley 15journaled at its ends in bearings (not shown) in blocks l6, l6 fixed onthe forward ends of said side elements 12, 12. Thus, pivot frame 13comprises shafts 9, l5 and side elements 12, 12 with the interveningblocks 11, 11 and l6, l6 effecting the requisite integration.

Mounted on end 9' of shaft 9 adjacent the laterally outwardly directedface of pillow block 8 is a sprocket wheel 17 which intermeshes with adrive chain 18, one course of which extends vertically for engaging aguide sprocket 19 carried on a stub shaft 20 suitably supported in abearing (not shown) on frame 5 (FIG. 10). Drive chain 18 also connectssprocket wheel 17 with a drive sprocket 21 splined or otherwise fixed onone end of a main shaft 22 which is axially parallel to shaft 9 beinglocated forwardly and downwardly thereof, beneath conveyor belt 14, withits opposite ends journaled in pillow blocks 23 depending from proximatebrace elements 7 of frame 5. Mounted on shaft 22 in its end portionremote from sprocket 21 is a sprocket wheel 24 engaged to a transmissionchain 25 which latter also intermeshes with a sprocket 26 secured on theend of the output shaft 27 of a gear reduction unit 28 which latter isoperatively connected to a prime mover 29 located upon a mountingplatform 30 provided in the lower rearward portion of frame 5 (see FIGS.3 and 10). Upon energization of prime mover 29 main shaft 22 will becaused to rotate and will, in turn, through drive chain 18, causerotation to be imparted to shaft 9 for effecting travel of conveyor belt14 whereby, through friction, rotation of idler shaft 15 is broughtabout. It is apparent that the rate of linear travel of conveyor belt 14may be preselected consonant with the particular operation throughcustomary variable speed controls.

Fixed on the outer face of each side element l2, 12 in its end portionnear the discharge end 3 of the related infeed conveyor l is a plate 31on which, in its outer face in the forward portion thereof, are mountedspacedly apart brackets 32 for supporting an air cylinder 33 having arearwardly directed piston 34 engaging a block 35 slidably disposedwithin vertically aligned, longitudinally extending upper and lowerguideways 36, 37 suitably fixed on said plate 31. Each block 35 isprovided with a bearing 38 for supporting the ends of a cross shaft 39which latter, projecting through aligned openings (not shown)-in plate31, extends transversely of frame 35 axially parallel to main shaft 22but forwardly and upwardly thereof. Accordingly, through requisiteoperation of air cylinder 33, cross shaft 39 may be positionedlongitudinally of frame for conveyor-belt-tensioning purposes to bedescribed below. Also provided on each sideplate 31, downwardly of theforward end portion of the related lower guideway 37 is a bearing 40 foraccepting the ends of a guide shaft 41 which, in extending throughopenings (not shown), sideplates 31 extends transversely of frame 5 inaxially parallel relationship to cross shaft 39 but downwardly andforwardly thereof. Referring now-particularly to FIG. 2, it will be seenthat conveyor belt 14 comprises an upper, article-supporting course 42and a lower course which extends rearwardly from idler shaft 15, overcross shaft 39 and thence forwardly and downwardly therefrom forengagement about guide shaft 41 from whence said lower course 43 extendsupwardly and rearwardly for ultimate disposition about drive shaft 9.Air cylinders 33, slideably disposed cross shaft 39, and guide shaft 41cooperate to present a readily adjustable means for controlling thetension of conveyor belt 14 with the degree of tension beingcommensurate with the relative rearward disposition ofcross shaft 39.

Also extending between sideplates 31, in their forward posi tion, is acrossbar 44 suitably fixed at its ends as by bolted mounting flangesindicated at 45. Depending from crossbar 44 immediately inwardly of eachplate 31 is a bifurcated mounting 46 for disposition therebetween of aroller-type cam follower 47 carried upon a shaft 48 secured in theopposed portions of said mounting 46. Each cam follower 47 projectsdownwardly of its related mounting 46 to present its peripheral surfacein operating engagement with the edge of a drive cam 49 fixed on theopposite ends of a camshaft 50 for rotation therewith. Each cam 49,being of plate character, is preferably heart-shaped, having thecustomary depression d so that when the associated cam follower 47engages the edge of said depression d, pivot frame 13 will be inhorizontal disposition (see FIG. 2) with the upper course 42 of conveyorbelt 14 being substantially planarwise parallel to the support surface.lt will be seen that by the interaction of cam follower 47 and cams 49pivot frame 13 may be rocked upwardly at its discharge end 3 about apivot axis coaxial of shaft 9. The disposition of pivot frame 13 inupwardly swung position is indicated in phantom lines in FIGS. 2 and 7.In this connection it should be noted that pivot frame 13 is of suchextent that the forward end thereof together with blocks 16, 16' andidler shaft will extend into spacing s provided at the charging end 2 ofthe adjacent infeed conveyor 1 (see FIGS. 2 and 7) so that belts 14 ofadjacent infeed conveyors 1 will be surface aligned, almost end-abuttingrelationship when in article support condition so as to permit transferof articles from one to the other without disruption or dislocation.

Camshaft 50 extends across frame 5 axially parallel to main shaft 22 andis joumaled in pillow blocks 51 mounted upon subframe elements 52 atopposite sides of side frame 5; said cams 49 being disposed on laterallyprojecting ends of said shaft 50. Carried also upon camshaft 50 inwardlyof one pillow block 51 is a sprocket 53 about which is engaged the upperend portion of a transmission chain 54 which intermeshes with a sprocket55 fixed on the adjacent end of a shaft 56 of a single revolution clutch57 secured upon a plate 58 supported by frame 5. Said clutch shaft 56 atits other or opposite end mounts a sprocket 59 which is operativelyconnected to main shaft 22 by a chain 60 engaging a sprocket 61 affixedon shaft 22. Thus, camshaft 50 is rotatable consequent to energizationof prime mover 29, subject to clutching action.

In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that upon revolution ofcamshaft 50 the pivot frame 13 will be rocked about shaft 9 throughrelative movement of plate earns 49 with respect to the related camfollowers 47. The period of elevation of pivot frame 13 is determined bythe speed of rotation of clutch shaft 56 since upon completion of asingle revolution the clutch will disengage with the cam followers 47being restored to disposition within the associated depressions d.

As stated hereinabove, each crossfeed conveyor 4 is disposedoverlayingly of the charging end 2 of an infeed conveyor 1 presentedforwardly of the infeed conveyor to which the particular crossfeedconveyor relates with each such crossfeed conveyor 4 being operativelyconnected to the prime mover 29 of the underlying infeed conveyor. Eachcrossfeed conveyor 4 is, accordingly, adapted for cooperation with theimmediately rearward adjacent infeed conveyor 1 and the relativeelevation of each crossfeed conveyor 4 above the particular underlyinginfeed conveyor 1 is determined by the desired clearance for theparticular articles being transmitted through conveyor system A so thatwith adjacent conveyor belts 14 in aligned relationship, the articlesmay travel beneath crossfeed conveyors 4 and with the related conveyorbelt 14 being elevated, articles may be transferred therefrom to therespective crossfeed conveyor 4 in a manner to be described. Eachcrossfeed conveyor 4 comprises a support frame 62 which includes a pairof elongated, spaced-apart, parallel side members 63, 63', which may beof tubular character and preferably of box cross section (see FIG. 6)for enhancing the sturdiness of frame 62. Said side members 63, 63'extend at their opposite ends laterally beyond the underlying crossfeedconveyor 1 for a support in elevated relationship to the underlyingcrossfeed conveyor 1 by means of threaded, screw-type uprights 64 whichare arranged in pairs at either end of crossfeed conveyor 4 with theirlower ends extending through openings 65 in support arms 66, which areintegral with support frame 5 and extend outwardly therefrom; therebeing nuts as at 67 for maintaining said uprights 64 in selectedposition. At their upper ends each of said uprights 64 are threadedlyreceived within a tapped opening (not shown) provided in cross plates 68extending between side members 63, 63 in their outer projecting endportions. Thus, by appropriate manipulation of the associated nuts 67,the vertical positioning of upright 64 may be controlled so as to createthe desired spacing between infeed conveyor 1 and the overlyingcrossfeed conveyor 4. At one of their ends, each side member mounts aplate 69, 69 respectively, which have elongated slots 70, 70,respectively, for extension therethrough at its ends of an idler shaft71. At each of its outer ends, idler shaft 71 is joumaled in bearings 72formed in a block 73 slideably disposed within ways 74, 75; each block73 carries a longitudinally extending screw 76 which, at its outer end,extends through an opening (not shown) in a flange 77 projectingplanarwise normally from each plate 69. A nut 77' is provided forengaging the projecting end of each screw 76 so that the relativedisposition of slide block 73 with respect to ways 74, 75 may beadjusted for controlling the tension of an endless conveyor belt 78which is trained about drive shaft 71 and progresses between sidemembers 63, 63 for engaging an idler shaft 79 at its opposite end, whichshaft is journaled in bearings provided in side members 63, 63' at theends thereof remote from slide blocks 73; said idler shaft 79 beinglocated laterally outwardly of the adjacent side portion of theunderlying infeed conveyor 1. Provided between shafts 71 and 79 is a 80,81, of longitudinally spaced-apart upper and lower belt support plates80, 81, respectively, which are suitably secured, as by bolts 82, 83, toside members 63, 63'; said plates 80, 81, thus, underlie the upper andlower courses 84, 85, respectively, of conveyor belt 78. One end ofdrive shaft 71 indicated at 78 projects beyond side member 63 andthereon carries a sprocket 86, about which is engaged the upper portionof a drive chain 87 which, in its lower portion, intermeshes with asprocket 88 fixed on one end of the shaft 89 of a clutch and brake unitindicated generally 90; there being a sprocket 91 fixed on the oppositeend of said shaft 89 for connection to a shaft 92 of a gearbox 93 bymeans of a chain 94 and sprocket 95 secured on said shaft 92. Gearbox 93incorporates a driven shaft 96 suitably connected to shaft 92 butaxially normal thereto for operative connection with main shaft 22 bymeans of a drive chain 97 which, in its forward portion, engages asprocket 98 mounted on said main shaft 22 (FIG. Thus, conveyor belt 78of crossfeed conveyor 4 is connected to the prime mover of theunderlying infeed conveyor so that upon actuation of the latter, saidcrossfeed belt 78 will be caused to travel in following a path axiallyperpendicular to the normal path of travel of conveyor belts 4. As willbe described more fully hereinbelow, clutch-brake unit 90 will be socontrolled as to effect stoppage of conveyor belt 78 at predeterminedjunctures of operation of conveyor system A. Crossfeed conveyors 4,thus, are adapted to conduct the particular articles to a pointlaterally of the path of movement of conveyor belts 14 of infeedconveyors 1, such as, for example, for conducting the articles to aparticular service station as for inspecting, wrapping, packing, etc. Itwill be understood that the direction of travel of belt 78 of thevarious crossfeed conveyors 4 may be toward either side of infeedconveyors l as desired so that servicing stations may be alternated orarranged consonant with the available space and requirements of theintended operations.

Bridging each crossfeed conveyor 4 is a pair of U-shaped mounting plates98, 98' spaced-apart longitudinally of said conveyor 4 with theintervening distance being at least slightly greater than the width ofthe conveyor belt 14 of the associated infeed conveyor 1. Each mountingplate 98, 98' incorporates a central transverse web 99 and downwardlyextending, relatively short forward and rearward legs 100, 101respectively, which are suitably secured through bolted mounting flangesindicated generally at f to the adjacent side members 63, 63', as thecase may be. Said forward legs 100 are of relatively greater width thanlegs 101 and with their widths being their greater dimension wherebysaid legs 100 are presented so that their greater dimensions areplanarwise normal to the path of travel of conveyor belt 78 and withtheir mounting flanges f being presented upon their mutually remotefaces (see FIG. 7) and with their confronting faces each having suitablysecured thereon a bearing plate 102 by means of a plurality of bolts 103extending through aligned openings 104, 104 provided in bearing plate102 and legs 100, respectively, with the same being so mutually adaptedas to allow for vertical adjustability of bearing plate 102 with respectto the associated leg 100 (see FIGS. 7 and 6).

Each of said bearing plate 102 are provided in their lower end portionswith a set of three horizontally aligned bearings as indicated at 105for supporting the ends of relatively highspeed rollers 106, 107, 108which are preferably formed of stainless steel, being in side-by-side,axially parallel relationship, with their upper surfaces being alignedand located slightly above the upper course 84 of conveyor belt 78 (seeFIG. 6) so as to allow for a facile transfer of articles therefrom ontosaid conveyor 78 in a manner to be described below. Thus, said rollers106, 107 and 108 are in immediate relationship to the related conveyorbelt 78 and with their longitudinal axes being parallel to the directionof travel of said conveyor belt 78. Engaged about the end portion ofroller 106 proximate leg 100 of mounting plate 98 is a pair of short,endless, friction drive belts 109, 109 the opposite end portions ofwhich extend about pulleys 110, 110 carried on one end of a drivingshaft 111 which projects freely through aligned openings 112, 113 formedin bearing plate 102 and the leg 100 of the adjacent mounting plate 98;said shaft 111 extends beyond mounting plate 98 for projection through abore 114 formed in a bearing block 115, the ends of which bore 1 14 arecounterbored as at 116, 117 for receiving bearings 118, 119,respectively, within which said shaft 111 is journaled. Shaft 111continues beyond bearing 119 for supporting upon its projecting end apulley 120 about which is trained the upper end portion of an endlessdrive belt 121, the lower portion of which extends about a pulley 122fixed upon the end extremity 9' of the immediately below drive shaft 9.Accordingly, the angular velocity of roller 106 is directly related tothe speed of rotation of shaft 9 of the immediately below infeedconveyor 1 so that the ratio of the diameters of pulleys 122 and 120will determine the relative rates of rotation. The bearing block 1 I5 isfixed upon a plate 123 suitably secured to the adjacent side member 63;said plate 123 also supporting in its lower outer portion a relativelysmaller bearing block 124 for a stub shaft 125 upon the outer end ofwhich is mounted a guide 126 for belt 121.

Referring now to FIG. 10, it will be seen that roller 106 is drivinglyconnected to intermediate roller 107 by means of an endless frictionbelt 127 located at the ends of said rollers proximate web 99 of plate98. Similarly, said intermediate roller 107 is drivingly connected toroller 108 by means of a like endless friction belt 128 so that uponroller 106 being driven through shaft 111, rotation will be transmittedto roller 107 and then to roller 108, whereby the said three rollerswill be caused to simultaneously rotate at the same rate.

As will be apparent from a review of the drawings, the components of thetransmission of the present invention are so related as to cause rollers106, 107, and 108 to rotate at a relatively increased speed with respectto the speed of rotation of shaft 9 so that a predetermined relationshipmay be established between the rate of travel of conveyor belt 14 andthe rotational speed of said rollers 106, 107, and 108 for purposespresently appearing. Also, as will become evident below, the rate oftravel of crossfeed conveyor belt 78 will also have a predeterminedrelationship to the rate of lineal travel of infeed conveyor belt 14.

The essential operation of the conveyor system of the present inventionis as follows: Discrete articles, such as for instance, candy bars, arefed in a relatively random fashion to the first infeed conveyor 1 fromthe main conveyor (not shown), which is in communication with the sourceof the articles in question. Pivot frame 13 will be periodically swungupwardly into the position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2 fordelivering articles onto the rotating rollers 106, 107, 108. As thespeed of same is relatively greater, the articles deposited thereon willbe brought into alignment transversely of the system and in such statetransmitted to the adjacent crossfeed conveyor 78, which at suchparticular juncture is stationary. Upon receipt of said articles, thesaid crossfeed conveyor 78 will then be actuated for conveying saidarticles, in such aligned condition, to a point laterally of the mainline of travel of system A as to a station for wrapping, packaging,inspecting, or the like. As will be shown more fully hereinbelow, theupward swinging of pivot frame 13 will be controlled so that articleswill not be delivered to said rollers and the adjacent crossfeedconveyor 78, if the latter is momentarily fully supplied; therebyobviating the hazard of jamming and like disruption. Under suchconditions, the particular infeed conveyor 1 will be maintained inhorizontal or normal condition whereby articles carried thereon maytravel onto the next adjacent infeed conveyor 1 for further linealtravel and ultimate deposition upon a crossfeed conveyor 78 which is ina ready state for accepting such articles. It is therefore, contemplatedthat the conveyor system of the present invention will comprehend amultiplicity of units so that a plurality of laterally located,article-receiving stations may be presented spacedly throughout thesystem whereby a markedly high volume of the particular articles may behandled in a most expeditious manner since, in effect, if one crossfeedconveyor 78 is in a full, nonaccepting state, the articles will beautomatically moved along until the same have reached a crossfeedconveyor 78 which is in an article-accepting condition.

The aligning of the articles as caused by rollers 106, 107, and 108 andthe presentation of the same in such state to the proximate, relativelynarrow crossfeed conveyor 78 conduces to facile handling of theindividual articles for the intended operation at the respectivestation.

With reference to F IG. 1 1, the operation of the present conveyorsystem may become more lucid. Said figure constitutes a ladder formatschematic diagram which is adopted for descriptive purposes in view ofthe fact that the present system is partially solid state and since thesame will conduce to a greater ease of comprehension. Prime mover 29(not shown in FIG. 12) is in circuit with a magnetic contactor coil 140by the main leads 141, 142 which connect the system to a suitable powersource. Contactor coil 140 is provided with normally open auxiliarycontacts 143 which are connected to a normally closed stop pushbuttonswitch 144 and a normally open, run pushbutton switch 145. To actuateprime mover 29, switch 145 is closed causing closure of contacts 143with consequent energization of coil 140. Running will be continueduntil stop switch 144 is opened by momentary depression thereby cuttingoff power to contacts 143 which will then open and effect deenergizationof coil 140 with cessation of operation of prime mover 29.

To effect appropriate coordination of upward swinging of pivot frame 13and operation of belt 78 of the related crossfeed conveyor, a pair ofphotoelectric scanning units indicated generally, E, E for userespectively within said conveyor belt 14 and crossfeed conveyor belt78. Each scanning unit E, E is self-contained, requiring no externalamplifier or special power supply with each incorporating a light sourcemodule 146, 146' and an amplifier module 147, 147, respectively. Thelight source modules 146, 146 embody a transformer,

' lamp, and lens assembly for beaming light across the related conveyorinto the associated amplifier module 147, 147', each of which contains alens assembly, a light-sensitive photocell, amplifier, power supply, andoutput relay. As may best be seen in FIG. 1, modules 146, 147 ofscanning unit E are presented on opposite sides of the related infeedconveyor 1 adjacent the discharge end 3 thereof; while the modules 146,147 of scanning unit E are located on opposite sides of the relatedcrossfeed conveyor 4, but immediately proximate the particular handlingstation. The latter is designed to detect the presence or absence ofarticles or product, candy bars in the present example, at the dischargeend of the related crossfeed conveyor 78 so as to condition the systemfor upward pivoting of pivot frame 13 consequent to disruption of thelight beam from source 146 by virtue of the article or product moving onmain conveyor 14. It will thus, be observed that the photoelectricscanning units E, E are arranged in series. The output relay ofamplifier module 147 incorporates first and second pairs of contactsindicated at 148, 149, the former being normally closed; the latterbeing normally open; while the output relay of amplifier module 147embodies a pair of normally closed contacts designated 150. Uponoperation of said latter relay as suggested by the dotted line 151,contacts 150 are closed to thereby bring about energization of a controlrelay 152 with resultant closing of its first and second pair ofcontacts 153, 154, respectively, said latter being in series with acontrol relay coil 155. it will be observed that the circuit betweencontacts 150 of the output relay of amplifier 147 and contacts 148 ofthe output relay of amplifier module 147 is closed. Thus, when the lightbeam emitted by module 146 is interrupted, contacts 149 of the outputrelay of amplifier module 147 are closed with consequent energization ofcontrol relay 155 whereby the contacts of the latter, as designated at156, are closed for completing the circuit through the actuatingsolenoid 157 of the single revolution clutch 57 and causing clutchingaction by development of rotation of clutch shaft 56 resulting inrevolution of camshaft 50 and effecting upward swinging of pivot frame13 to transmit articles onto high-speed rollers 106, 107, and 108 asabove described.

Also connected between control relay contacts 156 and lead 141 is a timedelay relay coil 158 having a first pair of normally closed contacts 159connected to the operating solenoid 160 of the clutch component of unitand a second pair of contacts 161 connected to the operating solenoid162 of the brake component of said unit 90. Accordingly, uponenergization of coil 158 through closure of contacts 156, solenoid 162will be energized to bring about braking action so that travel ofcrossfeed conveyor belt 78 will be arrested for a predetermined timeinterval; being that period during which articles are received thereonfrom the associated rollers 106, 107, 108. Time delay relay coil 158also incorporates a third pair of contacts 163, which are normallyclosed and which are in circuit with the normally closed contacts 164 ofa second time delay relay coil 165; said contacts 163 and 164 beingconnected to contacts 153 of control relay 152. Time delay relay coil165 is connected to contacts 156 of control relay so that upon closureof said contacts, said coil will be energized.

By means of contacts 163 and 164 the periods of energization of coils158 and 165, respectively, may be adjusted whereby upon elapsing of thetime interval said coils will be deenergized so that through the former,contacts 161 will be opened thereby removing the braking action withresumption of travel by related crossfeed conveyor belt 78. Thus, withrespect to coil 158, the selected interval will be determined by therequisite period for transferring articles from the rollers 106, 107,and 108. Time delay relay coil 165 is designed to allow control relays152 and 155 to return to normal deenergized state preparatory for thenext operation initiated through photoelectric scanning unit E.

in view of the foregoing it will be seen that conveyor system A isadapted to automatically present articles to the lateral handlingstations for continuously supplying same with articles to thereby assurehigh volume, economic and rapid handling. Photoelectric scanning unit Eis so positioned as to initiate the article feeding operation as themomentary supply for the particular lateral station is approachingexhaustion. Thus, with the output relay of said unit E. energizing coil152 the circuit is then conditioned for closure upon interruption of thelight beam from module 146 of photoelectric scanning unit E. In thisconnection it is to observed that with the nonaligned or randomdisposition of the articles being moved upon the related infeed conveyor1 the forwardmost of any such grouping will bring about lightinterruption which will be continued until all the articles of suchnonaligned group have passed by said light. Time delay relay coil 165remains energized for a preselected interval to prevent premature upwardswinging of pivot frame 13 until an adequate number of articles havepassed unit E for row formation; it being remembered that such units arein random relationship, upon upward swinging of pivot frame 13 throughenergization of both control relays 152 and 155 as above-described, theparticular crossfeed conveyor 78 is stopped by means of time relay relay158, but rollers 106, 107, 108 are rotating at a relatively advancedrate so that the articles deposited thereon from the new elevated infeedconveyor belt 14 will be brought into alignment and transferred to thearrested belt 78. The clutching side of clutching and brake unit 90 isthen actuated to cause cross conveyor belt 78 to deliver the alignedarticles to the adjacent station.

The relative rates of travel of conveyor belts 14 and 78 are critical aswell as the relationship of said rates to the speed of rotation ofrollers 106, 107, and 108. Although it is recognized that such criticalratios may differ depending upon the character of the articles beingconveyed, it has been found that when the present invention is utilizedfor candy bars, the ratio is as follows: Conveyor belt 14 travels at aspeed of approximately three times of that of conveyor 78, while rollers106, 107, and 108 rotate at an angular velocity of substantially twicethe rate of travel of conveyor belt 14. Thus, rollers 106, 107, and 108rotate at approximately five to six times the rate of lineal travel ofconveyor belt 78. The foregoing ratios for candy bars is merelyexemplary, since the various speeds will be determined by the characterof the articles being handled and the requirements therefor.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to obtainletters patent for is:

1. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, the improvementcomprising first conveyor means, second conveyor means disposed inelevated axially perpendicular relationship to said first conveyormeans, means for effecting upward swinging of said first conveyor meansfor communicating with said second conveyor means, a series of rollerspresented adjacent said second conveyor means for disposition betweensaid first conveyor means and said second conveyor means when the formeris upwardly swung, and means for effecting joint rotation of saidrollers at a speed greater than the rates of travel of said first andsecond conveyor means.

2. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, the improvementas defined in claim 1 and further characterized by means for arrestingtravel of said second conveyor means when articles are being deliveredthereto from said rollers.

3. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, the improvementas defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said rollers beingplanarwise aligned in axially parallel relationship with their uppersurfaces being substantially aligned with the upper surface of saidsecond conveyor means.

4. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, the improvementas defined in claim 3 and further characterized by the extent of upwardswinging of said first conveyor means being such as to present the sameinto immediate adjacency with said rollers for facile transfer ofarticles to the latter from the former.

5. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, the improvementcomprising first conveyor means, second conveyor means disposed inelevated, axially perpendicular relationship to said first conveyormeans, first article-sensing means provided with said first conveyormeans, second article-sensing means provided with said second conveyormeans, means operatively connecting said first and second sensing means,and means for effecting upward swinging of said first conveyor meansresponsive to actuation of said first and second articlesensing means.

6. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, the improvementas defined in claim 5 and further characterized by first timing meansconnected to said second article-sensing means for causing said meansfor effecting upward swinging of said first conveyor means to operatefor a time juncture to allow a predetermined number of articles to movefrom said first conveyor means to said second conveyor means.

7. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, the improvementas defined in claim 5 and further characterized by means for controllingthe relative rates of travel of said first and second conveyor means,and timing means connected to said first and second sensing means foreffecting cessation of travel of said second conveyor means when saidfirst conveyor means is in communication therewith.

8. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, the improvementas defined in claim 5 and further characterized by said first sensingmeans being a first photoelectric scanning unit presented proximate theend of said second conveyor means remote from said first conveyor means,said second sensing means being a second photoelectric scanning unitlocated proximate the end of said first conveyor means adjacent saidsecond conveyor means, said means operatively connecting first andsecond sensing means being circuitry for connecting said first andsecond photoelectric scanning units in series so that upward swinging ofsaid first conveyor means will not be effected until both said first andsecond photoelectric scanning units have been actuated.

9. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, the improvementas defined in claim 6 and further characterized by second timing meansoperatively connected to said first and second sensing means forarresting travel of said second conveyor means while said first conveyormeans is in communication therewith.

10. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles comprising a baseframe, a pivot frame mounted on said base frame, a first conve orcarried on said pivot frame having an article-receiving en and anarticle-discharge end, means for causing upward swinging of said pivotframe for elevating the said article-discharge end of said conveyor, asecond conveyor disposed upwardly of the article-discharge end of thefirst conveyor and having an endless belt, said second conveyor beingdisposed so that its endless belt travels in a direction axiallyperpendicular to that of said first conveyor, a plurality of rollersdisposed adjacent said second conveyor for disposition between same andsaid first conveyor when the latter is elevated at its article-dischargeend, said rollers being planar wise aligned in axially parallelrelationship with their upper surfaces being substantially aligned withthe upper surface of the endless belt of said second conveyor, and meansfor effecting upward swinging of said first conveyor pivot frame atpredetermined junctures for delivery of discrete articles from saidfirst conveyor to said rollers and thence to said second conveyor.

11. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, as defined inclaim 10 and further characterized by the extent of upward swinging ofsaid first conveyor pivot frame being such as to present the same intoimmediate adjacency with said rollers for facile transfer of articles tothe latter from the former.

12. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, as defined inclaim 11 and further characterized by means for arresting travel of saidsecond conveyor while articles are being transferred from said firstconveyor onto said rollers and timing means for maintaining said firstconveyor in upwardly swung condition to permit transfer to said rollersof a predetermined number of discrete articles which latter aresubjected to the relatively increased rate of speed of said rollers forbeing delivered therefrom onto said arrested second conveyor belt inside by side aligned condition.

13. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, the improvementcomprising a base frame, a pivot frame mounted thereon, a first conveyorcarried on said pivot frame and having an article-receiving end and anarticle-discharge end, a shaft rotatably mounted upon said base frame,means for driving said shaft, means interengaging said shaft and thearticledischarge end of said pivot frame whereby upon rotation of saidshaft said pivot frame will be swung upwardly, a second conveyordisposed in elevated axially perpendicular relationship to said firstconveyor so that upon operation of said shaft the article-discharge endof said first conveyor will be presented for communication with saidsecond conveyor.

14. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, the improvementas defined in claim 13 and further characterized by said meansinterengaging said shaft and said pivot frame comprising a cam fixed onsaid shaft, a cam follower provided on said pivot frame for engagingsaid cam.

15. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, the improvementas defined in claim 13 and further characterized by timing meansconnected to said shaft driving means causing discontinuance of shaftoperation for a predetermined interval consequent to upward swinging ofsaid pivot frame.

1. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, the improvementcomprising first conveyor means, second conveyor means disposed inelevated axially perpendicular relationship to said first conveyormeans, means for effecting upward swinging of said first conveyor meansfor communicating with said second conveyor means, a series of rollerspresented adjacent said second conveyor means for disposition betweensaid first conveyor means and said second conveyor means when the formeris upwardly swung, and means for effecting joint rotation of saidrollers at a speed greater than the rates of travel of said first andsecond conveyor means.
 2. For use in a conveyor system for discretearticles, the improvement as defined in claim 1 and furthercharacterized by means for arresting travel of said second conveyormeans when articles are being delivered thereto from said rollers. 3.For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, the improvement asdefined in claim 1 and further characterized by said rollers beingplanarwise aligned in axially parallel relationship with their uppersurfaces being substantially aligned with the upper surface of saidsecond conveyor means.
 4. For use in a conveyor system for discretearticles, the improvement as defined in claim 3 and furthercharacterized by the extent of upward swinging of said first conveyormeans being such as to present the same into immediate adjacency withsaid rollers for facile transfer of articles to the latter from theformer.
 5. For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, theimprovement comprising first conveyor means, second conveyor meansdisposed in elevated, axially perpendicular relationship to said firstconveyor means, first article-sensing means provided with said firstconveyor means, second article-sensing means provided with said secondconveyor means, means operatively connecting said first and secondsensing means, and means for effecting upward swinging of said firstconveyor means responsive to actuation of said first and secondarticle-sensing means.
 6. For use in a conveyor system for discretearticles, the improvement as defined in claim 5 and furthercharacterized by first timing means connected to said secondarticle-sensing means for causing said means for effecting upwardswinging of said first conveyor means to operate for a time juncture toallow a predetermined number of articles to move from said firstconveyor means to said second conveyor means.
 7. For use in a conveyorsystem for discrete articles, the improvement as defined in claim 5 andfurther characterized by means for controlling the relative rates oftravel of said first and second conveyor means, and timing meansconnected to said first and second sensing means for effecting cessationof travel of said second conveyor means when said first conveyor meansis in communication therewith.
 8. For use in a conveyor system fordiscrete articles, the improvement as defined in claim 5 and furthercharacterized by said first sensing means being a first photoelectricscanning unit presented proximate the end of said second conveyor meansremote from said first conveyor means, said second sensing means being asecond photoelectric scanning unit located proximate the end of saidfirst conveyor means adjacent said second conveyor means, said meansoperatively connecting first and second sensing means being circuitryfor connecting said first and second photoelectric scanning units inseries so that upward swinging of said first conveyor means will not beeffected until both said first and second photoelectric scanning unitshave been actuated.
 9. For use in a conveyor system for discretearticles, the improvement as defined in claim 6 and furthercharacterized by second timing means operatively connected to said firstand second sensing means for arresting travel of said second conveyormeans while said first conveyor means is in communication therewith. 10.For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles comprising a baseframe, a pivot frame mounted on said base frame, a first conveyorcarried on said pivot frame having an article-receiving end and anarticle-discharge end, means for causing upward swinging of said pivotframe for elevating the said article-discharge end of said conveyor, asecond conveyor disposed upwardly of the article-discharge end of thefirst conveyor and having an endless belt, said second conveyor beingdisposed so that its endless belt travels in a direction axiallyperpendicular to that of said first conveyor, a plurality of rollersdisposed adjacent said second conveyor for disposition between same andsaid first conveyor when the latter is elevated at its article-dischargeend, said rollers being planar wise aligned in axially parallelrelationship with their upper surfaces being substantially aligned withthe upper surface of the endless belt of said second conveyor, and meansfor effecting upward swinging of said first conveyor pivot frame atpredetermined junctures for delivery of discrete articles from saidfirst conveyor to said rollers and thence to said second conveyor. 11.For use in a conveyor system for discrete articles, as defined in claim10 and further characterized by the extent of upward swinging of saidfirst conveyor pivot frame being such as to present the same intoimmediate adjacency with said rollers for facile transfer of articles tothe latter from the former.
 12. For use in a conveyor system fordiscrete articles, as defined in claim 11 and further characterized bymeans for arresting travel of said second conveyor while articles arebeing transferred from said first conveyor onto said rollers and timingmeans for maintaining said first conveyor in upwardly swung condition topermit transfer to said rollers of a predetermined number of discretearticles which latter are subjected to the relatively increased rate ofspeed of said rollers for being delivered therefrom onto said arrestedsecond conveyor belt in side by side aligned condition.
 13. For use in aconveyor system for discrete articles, the improvement comprising a baseframe, a pivot frame mounted thereon, a first conveyor carried on saidpivot frame and having an article-receiving end and an article-dischargeend, a shaft rotatably mounted upon said base frame, means for drivingsaid shaft, means interengaging said shaft and the article-discharge endof said pivot frame whereby upon rotation of said shaft said pivot framewill be swung upwardly, a second conveyor disposed in elevated axiallyperpendicular relationship to said first conveyor so that upon operationof said shaft the article-discharge end of said first conveyor will bepresented for communication with said second conveyor.
 14. For use in aconveyor system for discrete articles, the improvement as defined inclaim 13 and further characterized by said means interengaging saidshaft and said pivot frame comprising a cam fixed on said shaft, a camfollower provided on said pivot frame for engaging said cam.
 15. For usein a conveyor system for discrete articles, the improvement as definedin claim 13 and further characterized by timing means connected to saidshaft driving means causing discontinuance of shaft operation for apredetermined interval consequent to upward swinging of said pivotframe.